By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Champions League 2025/26: Predicted lineups for knockout phase play-offs

Get the predicted lineups for all eight upcoming Champions League knockout phase play-off fixtures, including Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta and Olympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen.
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Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Two German clubs – Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen – will be in action as the 2025/26 Champions League continues with the first leg of the knockout phase play-off ties this midweek.

Below, we’ve compiled predicted lineups for all eight upcoming fixtures in Europe’s premier club competition.

Champions League 2025/26 – Predicted knockout phase play-offs lineups

Tuesday, February 17

Galatasaray vs Juventus predicted lineups

Benfica vs Real Madrid predicted lineups

Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta predicted lineups

Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain predicted lineups

Wednesday, February 18

Qarabag vs Newcastle predicted lineups

Bodø/Glimt vs Inter predicted lineups

Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid predicted lineups

Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineups

Bundesliga news

Match report DFB-PokalDFB-Pokal: Bundesliga’s perfect record continues, Heidenheim and St. Pauli are out
Borussia Dortmund Fábio Silva leaves Dortmund future open after Supercup goal
Rumor RB Leipzig Belgian international agrees RB Leipzig move
Rumor RB Leipzig RB Leipzig and Milan reach agreement for Nkunku
Bayer Leverkusen Leverkusen boss provides Poku, Palacios update amid Fiorentina and Ipswich talks
Post-match reaction Borussia Dortmund Kovac calls for apology after touchline clash with Bayern assistant Danks
Post-match reaction FC Bayern Kimmich warns Bayern have "a lot of work" to do despite Supercup win
Post-match reaction Borussia Dortmund "It was an intense game" – Niko Kovac on Dortmund's Supercup defeat
Post-match reaction FC Bayern "The most important thing is the mentality" – Kompany reflects to Bayern's Supercup win
Match report FC Bayern, Borussia DortmundFC Bayern beat Dortmund to win Supercup
Match report DFB-PokalDFB-Pokal: Kiel end 1860 Munich’s cup dream, Großaspach’s fairytale continues
Match report RB LeipzigDFB-Pokal: RB Leipzig advance after comfortable victory at Moselstadion
FC Bayern, Borussia DortmundConfirmed Supercup Lineups: Borussia Dortmund vs. FC Bayern Munich
Profile dortmundNmecha "looking forward" to upcoming season, Supercup against Bayern
Match report DFB-PokalDFB-Pokal: Hertha and Nürnberg maintain perfect starts with penalty shootout wins
Match report DFB-PokalDFB-Pokal: Wimmer and Onyeka score debut braces as Hoffenheim and Elversberg advance
Match report DFB-PokalDFB-Pokal: Hannover seal record victory with 9-1 rout of Hemelingen at Weserstadion
Match report Werder BremenDFB-Pokal: Füllkrug and Reis score debut goals for Bremen in Hamburg
Preview DFB-PokalConfirmed Lineups: SG Sonnenhof Großaspach vs. Arminia Bielefeld

Table

Kickfieber

Match days

BundesligaBundesliga and 2. Bundesliga 2026/27 fixtures released
FC Bayern & StuttgartBayern and Stuttgart to kick off the 2026/27 Bundesliga season
Post-match reaction VfL Wolfsburg Hecking irked by misfiring Wolfsburg's "sloppy" attacking play against Paderborn
Fantasy Football BundesligaBundesliga predicted lineups 2026/27: Matchday 1 starting XIs
VfL WolfsburgPatrick Wimmer to miss Wolfsburg's relegation play-off clash with Paderborn
Preview WOLFSBURG & PADERBORNVfL Wolfsburg vs. SC Paderborn 07 preview: Relegation duel at Volkswagen Arena
Team of the week BundesligaBundesliga Team of the Week – Matchday 34
Post-match reaction Borussia DortmundRyerson and Anton reflect on "a good season" for Borussia Dortmund
Post-match reaction FC BayernLeon Goretzka “proud” after lifting Bundesliga trophy in Bayern home farewell
Post-match reaction 1. FC HeidenheimFrank Schmidt admits Heidenheim "deserved to go down"
Post-match reaction FC St. PauliJackson Irvine "devastated" after St. Pauli's relegation from the Bundesliga
Post-match reaction VFL WOLFSBURG"Very relieved, but also proud": Quotes from Wolfsburg players after key win in Hamburg
Post-match reaction Eintracht FrankfurtKrösche leaves Riera’s future at Eintracht Frankfurt open
Post-match reaction Bayer 04 LeverkusenRolfes refuses to commit to Hjulmand after Leverkusen finish sixth
Match report ST. PAULI & WOLFSBURGPirate ship sinks as Wolfsburg advance to playoff
Match report Eintracht Frankfurt & StuttgartDraw enough as VfB Stuttgart secure Champions League qualification in Frankfurt
Match report Leverkusen, HSVHSV debutant Tangvik thwarts inefficient Leverkusen
Match report Borussia Dortmund & Werder BremenGuirassy and Couto deliver victory for Borussia Dortmund over Werder Bremen
Match report Bayern & KölnBayern celebrate remarkable season with dominant win over Köln
Match report Freiburg & RB LeipzigSC Freiburg crush Leipzig to secure Conference League football ahead of Europa League final
Match report 1. FSV Mainz 05 & 1. FC Heidenheim Heidenheim suffer relegation after defeat to Mainz
Match report Gladbach, HoffenheimGladbach end season with big win as Hoffenheim settle for Europa League spot
Match report 1.FC Union Berlin & FC AugsburgUnion Berlin sign off with four-goal rout to crush Augsburg's European dreams
Bayern & KölnConfirmed lineups: FC Bayern Munich vs 1. FC Köln
Bayer Leverkusen, HSVConfirmed Lineups: Bayer Leverkusen vs. Hamburger SV

Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football FantasyBest budget picks for your 2026/27 Fantasy Bundesliga squad
Fantasy Football Fantasy BundesligaWhy Fantasy Bundesliga managers should start opening the app daily from today
Fantasy Football Fantasy BundesligaFantasy Bundesliga returns for 2026-27: Here's what's new!
Fantasy Football BundesligaBundesliga predicted lineups 2026/27: Matchday 1 starting XIs
Fantasy Football World Cup2026 World Cup predicted lineups: Final and third-place match XIs
Fantasy Football World Cup2026 World Cup: Predicted semi-final lineups
Fantasy Football World Cup2026 World Cup: Predicted quarter-final lineups
Fantasy Football World CupWorld Cup: Predicted lineups for the Round of 16
Fantasy Football World CupWorld Cup: Predicted lineups for the Round of 32
Fantasy Football World CupWorld Cup 2026: Predicted lineups for all 48 teams on Matchday 3
Fantasy Football World CupPredicted lineups for all 48 teams at the World Cup – Matchday 2
Fantasy Football German national teamWho takes penalties for Germany? Havertz gives update
Fantasy Football FantasyWorld Cup 2026 Fantasy tips: The 10 best Germany stars to target
Fantasy Football World Cup2026 World Cup free kick and corner kick takers
Fantasy Football World Cup2026 World Cup penalty takers
Fantasy Football World CupPredicted lineups for all 48 teams at the World Cup
Fantasy Football GermanyHow Germany could line up at the World Cup
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 34
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 34
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 34
Fantasy Football FantasyWatch: Matchday 33 Fantasy Bundesliga show
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 33
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 33
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 33
Fantasy Football Champions LeaguePredicted Champions League semi-final second-leg lineups

German Teams in Europe

Match report SC FreiburgConference League: Ginter shines in Freiburg’s comeback victory over Motherwell
SC FreiburgConfirmed Lineups: Motherwell FC vs. SC Freiburg
Predicted lineups SC FreiburgMotherwell FC vs. SC Freiburg Conference League preview: Team news and predicted lineups
SC FreiburgFreiburg to meet Motherwell in UEFA Conference League play-offs
Bayern MunichBayern chief feels Arsenal missed "huge opportunity" against "deserving" PSG
FC BayernBayern duo named in the Champions League Team of the Season
Bayern Munich & German National Team“I'm crossing the fingers for Kai" – Kimmich wishes Havertz well for UCL finale
Germany“It hurts” – Nagelsmann on tough call to leave Stuttgart duo out of World Cup squad
Post-match reaction SC FreiburgIgor Matanović thanks Freiburg fans for support: "We really wanted to give them something back"
Post-match reaction SC Freiburg"We didn't manage to trouble them" – Vincenzo Grifo on Freiburg's Europa League final defeat to Aston Villa
Post-match reaction SC FreiburgFrustrated Schuster praises Aston Villa’s perfect display
Analysis/Commentary SC FreiburgSC Freiburg vs Aston Villa: Europa League final player ratings
Match report SC FreiburgFreiburg suffer Europa League heartbreak as Emery’s Villa prevail in Istanbul
SC FreiburgConfirmed Europa League Final Lineups: SC Freiburg vs. Aston Villa
SC FreiburgEverton’s Merlin Röhl “proud” of his former Freiburg teammates
SC FreiburgDFB bosses and Julian Nagelsmann travel to Istanbul to support Freiburg
SC FreiburgEmi Martinez praises Noah Atubolu before Europa League final
SC FreiburgUnai Emery: “I’m not Europa League king”
SC FreiburgMaximilian Eggestein admits Freiburg didn’t plan to reach Europa League final
SC FreiburgChristian Günter hails Freiburg’s progress ahead of Europa League final
SC FreiburgJulian Schuster reflects on dream start to coaching career
Preview SC Freiburg UEFA Europa League Final Preview: SC Freiburg vs. Aston Villa
Bayern MunichMatthäus encourages Bayern to trust front-footed approach next season
Champions LeagueBundesliga arbiter Daniel Siebert to referee 2026 Champions League final
Post-match reaction SC FreiburgIgor Matanović: “It was 34,000 against 11 today”

DFB-Pokal

Match report DFB-PokalDFB-Pokal: Bundesliga’s perfect record continues, Heidenheim and St. Pauli are out
Match report RB LeipzigDFB-Pokal: RB Leipzig advance after comfortable victory at Moselstadion
Match report DFB-PokalDFB-Pokal: Hertha and Nürnberg maintain perfect starts with penalty shootout wins
Match report DFB-PokalDFB-Pokal: Wimmer and Onyeka score debut braces as Hoffenheim and Elversberg advance
Match report DFB-PokalDFB-Pokal: Hannover seal record victory with 9-1 rout of Hemelingen at Weserstadion
Match report Werder BremenDFB-Pokal: Füllkrug and Reis score debut goals for Bremen in Hamburg
Preview DFB-PokalConfirmed Lineups: SG Sonnenhof Großaspach vs. Arminia Bielefeld
Preview DFB-PokalConfirmed Lineups: 1860 Munich vs. Holstein Kiel
Preview RB Leipzgi, DFB-PokalConfirmed Lineups: Eintracht Trier vs. RB Leipzig
Match report Bayer Leverkusen, Augsburg, DFB-PokalDFB-Pokal: Bayer Leverkusen and Augsburg progress with strong second-half performances
Preview DFB-PokalConfirmed Lineups: Viktoria Köln 1904 vs. 1. FC Nürnberg
Preview DFB-Pokal, Werder BremenConfirmed Lineups: Lüneburger SK Hansa vs. Werder Bremen
Preview DFB-PokalConfirmed Lineups: Hemelingen vs. Hannover 96
Preview DFB-PokalConfirmed Lineups: MSV Duisburg vs. SV Elversberg
Preview DFB-PokalConfirmed Lineups: Saarbrücken vs. Hertha BSC
Preview TSG Hoffenheim, DFB-PokalConfirmed Lineups: Erzgebirge Aue vs. TSG Hoffenheim
Preview Bayer Leverkusen, DFB-PokalConfirmed Lineups: SV Wehen Wiesbaden vs. Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Preview FC Augsburg, DFB-PokalConfirmed Lineups: Energie Cottbus vs. FC Augsburg
Post-match reaction VfB StuttgartHoeneß and hattrick hero Pejčinović reflect on first-round win in Rostock
Post-match reaction Karlsruhe SCJung and Broschinski on Karlsruhe's "satisfying" cup win over Münster
Post-match reaction Eintracht FrankfurtHütter content with Frankfurt's "thoroughly deserved" first round win
Match report VfB Stuttgart & Hansa RostockStuttgart thump Pokal opponents Hansa Rostock as Pejčinović nets debut hattrick
Match report 1.FC Kaiserslautern & Waldhof MannheimKaiserslautern snatch Pokal derby victory as Kanaté sinks Waldhof Mannheim
1.FC Kaiserslautern & Waldhof MannheimWaldhof Mannheim-Kaiserslautern cup derby delayed as police intervene
Match report Preußen Münster & Karlsruhe SCKarlsruhe prevent Pokal upset with comeback win over Preußen Münster

German National Team

German national teamUli Hoeneß warns against "messiah" expectations for new Germany coach Klopp
Rumor German National Team & VfB StuttgartKlopp informs Stuttgart of plan to integrate Pejčinović into Germany national team
German National Team"He was sorry" – Baumann's phone call with Nagelsmann over World Cup goalkeeper snub
German national teamWirtz on new Germany coach Klopp: "I'm very excited to meet him"
DFBDFB president Neuendorf blasts Infantino after FIFA investment U-turn
DFBJürgen Klopp yet to decide on Joshua Kimmich's Germany role
DFBKlopp appointment sparks Antonio Rüdiger U-turn on Germany future
DFBRudi Völler predicts bright future for Julian Nagelsmann
German National TeamGalatasaray coach labels it "fashionable" to blame Sané for Germany's demise
Rumor German National Team“I have ideas" – Klopp to ditch Kimmich at right-back and uncover replacement
German National TeamKlopp on the "unimaginable" scenario of being appointed Germany coach
Transfer German National TeamOfficial: Jürgen Klopp announced as Germany national team head coach
German National Team"We don't need to copy Spain" – Lahm on how Germany can rediscover success
German National TeamGermany drop two places to twelfth in latest FIFA world rankings
DFB Deal agreed between DFB and Red Bull for Klopp to become Germany head coach
German National TeamMatthäus, Basler & Hamann demand "real clean-up" of Germany squad
Rumor German National Team"Strung along & false promises" – DFB employee critical of Nagelsmann's dealings with squad
Rumor German National TeamDFB rejects letter enabling Infantino to run for third term as FIFA president
Rumor Borussia MönchengladbachGladbach talent Wael Moyha to represent Morocco over Germany
Rumor German National TeamDFB chiefs hold first negotiations with Jürgen Klopp in New York
Rumor German National TeamMüller believes Klopp can put "the right structures in place" as Germany coach
German national team Jürgen Klopp reveals details of call With Rudi Völler as Germany appointment nears
German National TeamRudi Völler remains as DFB sporting director through to Euro 2028
Rumor German National TeamDFB chief Watzke reveals there are "hurdles to overcome" to make Klopp coach
DFBReport: Klopp to be handed sweeping powers by DFB

Long reads

Analysis/Commentary Borussia MönchengladbachWhat Leeds United fans can expect from Nico Elvedi after Gladbach move
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: “I know I will get my game time” – Ørjan Nyland confident he will get his chances after Leipzig return
Editor's pick Borussia Dortmund & 1.FC KölnOpinion: How the pursuit of Said El Mala could alter Borussia Dortmund's future
Analysis/Commentary Frauen-BundesligaBreaking away: Why the Frauen-Bundesliga is taking control of its own future
Analysis/Commentary FC BayernHow Bayern Munich could line up for the 2026/27 season
Analysis/Commentary BundesligaTop 10 Bundesliga transfers of the summer so far
Editor's pick SC FreiburgWhat Newcastle fans can expect from Johan Manzambi as transfer from Freiburg nears completion
Editor's pick FC AugsburgEXCLUSIVE: "Character is more important for us than talent" – Benjamin Weber explains Augsburg's scouting philosophy
Editor's pick TSG HoffenheimWhat Newcastle fans can expect from Bazoumana Touré as €50m move from Hoffenheim nears completion
Analysis/Commentary German national teamGermany player ratings vs Paraguay: Several disappointing displays in heartbreaking exit
Analysis/Commentary German national teamGermany player ratings vs Ecuador: Lacklustre display as winning run ends
Analysis/Commentary World CupWho replaces Nico Schlotterbeck? Germany’s three options after World Cup blow
Analysis/Commentary German national teamGermany player ratings vs Côte d’Ivoire: Undav stars with brace off the bench
Analysis/Commentary German national teamGermany player ratings vs Curaçao: Who shone in the 7-1 World Cup thrashing?
Analysis/Commentary German national teamGermany player ratings vs USA: Havertz decisive in scrappy win
Analysis/Commentary German national teamGermany player ratings vs Finland: Undav and Karl shine ahead of World Cup
Analysis/Commentary VfL WolfsburgWolfsburg face major overhaul after first-ever Bundesliga relegation
Analysis/Commentary Bundesliga2025/26 Bundesliga Team of the Season
Analysis/Commentary SC FreiburgSC Freiburg vs Aston Villa: Europa League final player ratings
Analysis/Commentary German national teamNagelsmann’s Germany goalkeeper U-turn sparks controversy
Analysis/Commentary Bayern & WolfsburgBayern's Pokal triumph over Wolfsburg confirms changing of the guard in German women's football
Editor's pick FC Schalke 04"I’m thinking about my future every day" – 40-year-old Edin Džeko weighs up next move after Schalke fairy tale
Editor's pick Werder BremenWhy a move to a top club may come too early for Werder Bremen's Karim Coulibaly amid links to Chelsea, Newcastle and PSG
Editor's pick Bayer LeverkusenFrom Ouagadougou to Leverkusen: Edmond Tapsoba’s amazing journey
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande “happy and motivated” by interest from Europe’s elite

Exclusive interviews

Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: “I know I will get my game time” – Ørjan Nyland confident he will get his chances after Leipzig return
Editor's pick FC AugsburgEXCLUSIVE: "Character is more important for us than talent" – Benjamin Weber explains Augsburg's scouting philosophy
Exclusive interview FC AugsburgEXCLUSIVE: Augsburg boss Benjamin Weber confirms “big market” interest in Kömür and Claude-Maurice amid exit talk
Exclusive interview World CupEXCLUSIVE: "He's the perfect coach for England" – Augsburg chief Benjamin Weber backs former boss Tuchel for World Cup glory
Editor's pick FC Schalke 04"I’m thinking about my future every day" – 40-year-old Edin Džeko weighs up next move after Schalke fairy tale
Exclusive interview VfL Wolfsburg“A very difficult and sad situation” – Edin Džeko on his ex-club VfL Wolfsburg’s relegation threat
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigYan Diomande names Real Madrid stars among inspirations as he sets sights on becoming one of the world's best
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande “happy and motivated” by interest from Europe’s elite
Editor's pick Borussia Mönchengladbach"I obviously came here to play more" – Giovanni Reyna reflects on Gladbach struggles and burning World Cup ambition
Exclusive interview Borussia MönchengladbachINTERVIEW: "I'd love to experience something different at some point" – Joe Scally opens door to Gladbach exit
Exclusive interview FC BayernLahm highlights defensive “danger” for Bayern ahead of PSG showdown
Editor's pick BundesligaPhilipp Lahm "curious" about new German U21 league – but insists senior-level minutes remain key for young players
Editor's pick RB Leipzig“We have to get even better” – CEO Tatjana Haenni on RB Leipzig’s goal to be "best in class" for talent
Editor's pick RB Leipzig"That's our goal" – RB Leipzig must be ready to pounce on Bundesliga title if Bayern falter, says CEO Tatjana Haenni
Exclusive interview FC Bayern & GermanyPhilipp Lahm: Gnabry injury a "bitter" blow for Bayern and Germany
Exclusive interview FC Bayern“Not a topic for me” – Philipp Lahm not considering Bayern management role
Exclusive interview FC BayernINTERVIEW: “The decisive phase is coming now” – Philipp Lahm on Bayern’s bid for a historic treble after Bundesliga title win
Editor's pick Borussia Dortmund​EXCLUSIVE: "We weren’t doing a good enough job" – Dortmund boss reveals how Club World Cup eye-opener forced a strategy shift
Editor's pick FC IngolstadtINTERVIEW: "I was afraid of closing the door" – Pioneering Ingolstadt coach Sabrina Wittmann on opening a new path for women in football
Editor's pick BundesligaINTERVIEW: "I was always a friend of opening up that rule..." – Jürgen Klinsmann weighs in on 50+1 debate
Exclusive interview FC BayernINTERVIEW: Jürgen Klinsmann hails Harry Kane as "fantastic" and "the best ambassador you could wish for"
Editor's pick Fortuna DüsseldorfEXCLUSIVE: Fortuna Düsseldorf CEO Alexander Jobst speaks out on speculation over his future amid sporting struggles
Editor's pick FC AugsburgINTERVIEW: "At the moment, there's no thought of switching" – Noahkai Banks on choosing between the US and Germany
Exclusive interview FC AugsburgINTERVIEW: USMNT and Augsburg defender Noahkai Banks names favorite club and childhood football idols
Exclusive interview Bundesliga"It's clear we need to change something" – How Jürgen Klopp recently hinted at plans for German U21 league

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